York, Pa.-based Graham Engineering Co. LLC has acquired Kennedy Tool & Die Inc., a manufacturer of molds and tooling for blow molding, reaction-injection molding (RIM), thermoforming and structural-foam molding, based in Birdsboro, Pa.

Founded in 1960, Kennedy Tool molds are used around the world to manufacture coolers, detergent bottles, plastic drums and industrial bulk containers as well as products with complex designs and varying wall thickness for RIM processing automotive body components, consumer electronics and sporting goods.

The acquisition unites GEC skilled engineers, toolmakers and machinists for one-stop shop support of customers throughout the life of their extrusion equipment, according to GEC President David Schroeder.

"There are good mold and tooling suppliers and good extrusion machinery companies," Schroeder said in a news release. "Until now, however, we don't believe that anyone has bridged the gap between extrusion and the tooling and mold design required to make the finished product, nor the services required to maintain system performance over time."

A critical step in achieving this goal is putting the right organization together to meet those needs, Schroeder added.

"The Kennedy team brings a deep understanding of precision molds and tooling, and we are thrilled to have them join our company. Bringing together two industry leaders will significantly improve our ability to provide superior customer service and the highest quality products," he said.

As a brand of GEC, the Kennedy operation will remain in Birdsboro with co-owners Steve Kennedy and Scott Kroll continuing as director of operations and director of business development, respectively.

GEC's other brands include American Kuhne and Welex.

"This is just a logical step toward helping to meet the needs of an ever-changing marketplace," Kroll said in the release. "Together, we can provide more value to customers and simplify the extrusion machinery and tooling process."

The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1960 by Don Graham, who developed the Graham wheel blow molding machine, GEC offers equipment for blow molding, sheet, single screw extruders, feed screws and extrusion systems for the automotive, industrial, construction, packaging, wire and cable, durable goods, graphics, and health care industries.

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